The Set Up

I thought I would post what mine and Jeremy's set-up looks like, just a few things to get started and add to the basics we already have laying around. The plan is for us to start with the same journal and see how different they turn out following the same challenge prompts. The point is that everyone's journals will be personal and unique. These are 6x8 unlined books with pre-designed covers that will shortly be obliterated. Not my usual spiral-bound book, but they came in a 2-pack and were super cheap, so that's what we went with. Jeremy's is on the left and mine is on the right.

My Play Stuff

I only intended to grab some stickers and a couple paints to tote to work and back, but... ya know. I kept finding little clearance items and a certain someone would point out something too cool to pass up. I ended up with...

Jeremy's Play Stuff

Some of these pieces he already had laying around. Because he's Jeremy. Either way, you're looking at...

patterned papers

vellum

tin plaque

metal brads

pressboard pieces

metal springy coil thing

book binding posts

fortune cookie slips

tea bag labels

Now What?

Well, if you haven't thought of any ideas for day 1 yet, take a look atsome of the suggestions I gave the other day. Also, make sure you'refollowing me on Instagram where I'll post all my journal pics. If you post your pics there and use the hashtags #revival_designs and #artjournalchallenge I'll find them and leave you lovely little comments and likes. <3

Save this graphic to your phone or computer so it will always be handy. Then check back tomorrow to see what we came up with for day #1 and to grab a little extra inspiration.

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Have any questions? Comments? Ideas? Ask here or send me an email through my contact form.

Examples

So if you've never heard of an art journal before, much less taken a stab at one, you've probably got a lot of questions, and that's totally ok. Today I want to show you a few examples from my own journal collection to give you an idea of what you can expect. Click on each image to enlarge.

I'll explain in more detail the products and techniques I use later on, but let's talk about some things you can do to get ready first.

Stuff you need

I suggest you start out super basic when you first begin an art journal. It's tempting to run to the art store and buy the place out, but you really don't know what your style is going to be till you get going. Here is my recommended list for a beginner:

That's seriously it. Now, having just said that, I will go ahead and share the supplies I'm starting out with. Jeremy and I went to Michael's to get a single sketchbook and maybe some stickers and ended up with a whole pile of. <blushing> And yes, he's doing the challenge as well so you'll get to see a good variety of examples.

What next?

Your first task is pretty simple... go grab a few supplies! You can easily accomplish this in 30 minutes and for less than $10, so no excuses of not having time or money.

Commence with the trumpets! I am super duper excited to announce this next project because it involves not only one of my great passions, but you get to play along with me. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get messy with some art journaling.

So, what's an art journal you might be wondering? Simply put, it's a journal you use to practice art and express yourself. You might paint in it, draw with pencil, stick down papers or stamp with inks, but the main thing to remember is that there are NO RULES. You can use something as cheap and basic as a composition notebook or as fancy as a leather-bound diary. It's totally up to YOU and what YOU want to do.

All through the month of March you will have a daily prompt as a starting point for your journal page. Think of each prompt as an inspiration NOT a rule. For example, March 1st's prompt is 'day.' Here are a couple of directions you could go

write down your day dreams

sketch your daytime view

make a list of things you do every day

write about

one day to live

worst day

best day

take a photograph every hour of the day. paste them in your book.

paint the sun/sky/weather

I'll post my pages and give you plenty of help and inspiration all month long, so sign up for my newsletter (over there on the right >>>) so you don't miss anything. If you've never tried something like this before, now is the perfect time. Don't let your fears get the best of you... everyone art journals in their own way and I'll be right with you the whole time.

I almost said that this project is turning out to be more fun than I thought it would be... but it's actually JUST as fun as I knew it would be. I love the colors, love researching quotes, brainstorming word combinations and trying out new designs.

I decided to challenge myself with a little project this month and am going to design one new mug everyday with the a positive/happy theme. Yep, every single day. My thought is that February is notoriously dull and boring and I want to pass around the message that positive thinking will change your whole frame of mind.

I'm calling the whole collection Wash the Grey Away and I've been a busy, busy girl! I'll be loading them to the store dailyand posting a recap at the end of the week, so stay tuned. Here's what I came up with this week.

Lookie lookie! Love is in the air, my friends. And in anticipation of Valentine's Day I put together a little collection of mugs and travel mugs that will be perfect for your special someone. Just place your order by this Sunday to get your mug by Valentine's Day. I mean, what else will you be doing during halftime????